Operations Controller Europe

Are you a finance professional who combines strong analytical skills with operational business partnering? As Operations Controller, you play a key role in driving sustainable margin improvement and operational performance across Europe. You will partner closely with Operations and Procurement to analyze and optimize margins, cost prices, productivity, and working capital (DPO/DIO). You challenge purchase price management, monitor operational KPIs (e.g. cost per kg, absorption, PPV), and actively contribute to the operations strategy and annual operating plan. You are responsible for monthly margin reporting, forecasting, and variance analysis, and you support capex decision-making through solid business cases. Additionally, you contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, ERP upgrades (IFS), Power BI dashboarding, and strengthening internal controls. This is a high-impact role where you act as a true business partner to Operations and contribute directly to margin expansion, cost control, and sustainable growth You report to the Director Finance & Control Europe, work closely with the Commercial and Finance Controllers, and are part of the European Operations Management Team. The role has no direct reports and operates within an international matrix organization.

What You Bring

• University Degree in Business Administration/Finance/Accounting or equivalent combination, Master in Finance & Control (RC) preferred
• 5+ years of Finance Controlling experience
• Experience working for an international matrix companies (preferably US) ideally with structured operating systems, with a disciplined approach to management cadence, metric tracking, and reporting.
• Proven ability to collaborate with business partners (strategically and) operationally, with expertise in forecasting, budgeting, root-cause analysis, and FP&A.
• Experience in an international (preferably US-based) matrix environment
• Strong analytical skills with expertise in forecasting, budgeting, and margin optimization
• Experience partnering with Operations and Procurement
• Hands-on, proactive, and results-oriented mindset
• University degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting (RC preferred)
• Fluent in English

Offer

• Competitive base salary aligned with experience and seniority
• Performance-based bonus
• 25+ vacation days
• Pension scheme
• Travel allowance
• Professional development opportunities (training, certifications, courses)
• Dynamic international working environment
• Opportunity to grow into a broader finance leadership role

This role is managed by Walters People B.V., trading under the name Robert Walters.